Vintage Moroccan Amazigh Rare Double-Sided Beni Ouarain Rug

A very rare double-sided Beni Ouarain carpet from the Middle Atlas region, featuring two distinct designs on the front and reverse. Woven using dense handspun local wool, the rug is thick, weighty, and beautifully constructed.

What first appears as a lozenge grid on one side reveals, upon closer inspection, a series of interconnected, belted zigzag lines. In the top two rows of the carpet these lines separate, adding a subtle sense of movement and playfulness to an otherwise calm and balanced design. The lozenge grid is punctuated with the occasional tiny knot of red wool woven into the pile, traditionally added as a symbol of good luck.

The reverse side of the rug displays an older and rarer motif woven in black wool on an ivory ground. Two different designs on either side of a single carpet are typically achieved by two or more weavers knotting the pile simultaneously on both sides of the loom — a technically demanding and uncommon weaving practice.

This older carpet is exceptionally dense, with particularly lustrous ivory wool that has developed an appealing sheen and beautiful patina over time. The rug has had some localised edge repairs, and there is a small red dye circle on the left-hand side near the centre of the rug, both of which are visible in the images.

A rare and characterful piece, this carpet combines exceptionally fine wool, a unique double-sided design, and a striking visual presence. Despite its age, it retains a distinctly modern sensibility and would make a compelling addition to a contemporary interior.

With acknowledgement and gratitude for the woman weaver who conceptualised and crafted this unique item. Please take the time to discover more about the Amazigh ('Berber') weaving tradition here. 

Size: approximately 290 cm × 180 cm (excluding tassels).

Age: Pre-1980s.

Material: High-quality lustrous Moroccan handspun wool.

Condition: Some localised repairs to the edges and a small red dye circle are present, both visible in the images. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions regarding the condition of this rare carpet.

Please be advised that all items in our Vintage Collection are second-hand pieces, which means that they may have had significant previous use. Marks, stains, bumps, dents and wear that are cosmetic are part of the nature of vintage pieces and are therefore not recognised as defects. Only items where the function of the piece is impacted will be considered damaged. All cosmetic marks and signs of wear are part of the natural character of vintage pieces. If you are not comfortable with used or worn pieces, our standard collection may be more appealing.

Due to their large size, the vintage Moroccan carpets only ship to the UK as standard. For international orders, please contact hello@elleihome.com for a shipping quote.